2022 US Open: Prep time at Brookline
Posted on June 14, 2022
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Its Prep time at The US Open
The US Open
Go get those PICKS. A change in rules related to injured players so ready up before you choose someone with a bad back!
The Country Club at Brookline has been treating the players to some interesting guessing games as the prep continues. A little more attention was given to the undulating greens as the green speed started to become obvious.
Firm conditions are already in play, blind tee shots and approaches keep everyone intrigued and Brookline is predicted to be a beast. The rough is juicy in places, friendly in others, but downright crazy in some of the easy misses. It’s going to be an intimidating test and will separate the best from the rest quickly. The US Open is back!
The mix of love grass, juicy rough and run off areas make this a brilliant test. There are only 2 par 5’s and both will have a significant premium on hitting the fairway, otherwise par becomes a good number.
The set up with a few false fronts and shaved areas will mean not all balls will be caught by rough, leaving players a mix of challenges around the greens. Get ready for some innovative short game play around the greens.
Brookline has hosted 2 most recent premier mens events - the 1988 US Open and the 2013 US Amateur. The 2013 US Amateur was won by Fitzy but also featured Conners, The Bulk and Scottie. So a little experience for some of the big guns - who were a mix of short game wizards and ball strikers. The 1988 US Open leaderboard featured the majority of the big names of the era, each with their own styles. Sir Nick was known for his long iron play, whilst Freddie featured as a bomber but Curtis Strange prevailed.
The weather forecast appears to be less sweaty than normally faced, there won’t be much wind and the rain might even soften the course. This would be glory for the players, though a blustery Thursday afternoon looks like the one to miss.
Its hard to know where to look at the US Open for obvious reasons, although its often best to stick to the real deal. We have an epic major ahead, at a course shaping up to be a ripsnorter and the best golfers around (everywhere included) to put on a show.
The usual chase for the Grand Slam is on and its on for the literal rebel, Lefty, who is again looking to add to his major creds. Every betting man sees it as a bridge too far, surely it can’t happen? Rory would definitely be eager to block it!
We have the title defense by Rahmbo, who came emphatically out today to highlight that he is wealthy and could retire today if he wanted to. Let that sink in. We are sure he wants to win his 2nd major too!
It feels like BK has finally found his voice again after an extended honeymoon and golf is right where it belongs for him. An after-thought, but a thought more than DJ could muster. Nevertheless, he is fighting fit and hungry to send a message.
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Its impossible to pick this one. Guaranteed is a feast of golfing excitement from the get-go. Whose going to win it? The list of potentials is an intriguing mix of form vs class.
The constant niggle headed into the week will affect these players carrying the baton so to speak - JT said he has struggled for sleep. You have to fancy those that have avoided the limelight.
The course set up is definitely going to mean you need confidence with the short game and will have the usual US Open par save tests a few times.
The WORLD RANKINGS are a reflection of recency, not best placed, but Scottie has shown to to have an extremely pleasing short game. Cannot be ruled out. Rory also showed his wedge game has improved, but it can’t be missed that the Canadian Open suited his game to a tee. Brookline won’t.
Cambo has the best history on this sort of course, having got his roots on the firm Royal Melbourne. His putting is aggressive and is slick around the greens. Joining him in those categories is Fitzy, who fought hard in a major at Southern Hills and will be better equipped 2nd time asking.
US Open Pairings
The Tee times were released today and with an interesting mix of intrigue. The USGA is known to come up with elaborate gems and have “tried” to avoid the battle of the Tours.
Some of the tastier ones include:
The Opens: Collin, Rahmbo and Piot
The (self-proclaimed) Good Lookers: Max, Scotty, Jordan
The no Majors: Billy Ho, Cantplay, Berger
Rory: Rory, Hideki and Xander
Cool Dudes: BK, Cambo, Scottie
LIV + Brat: Na, Sergio and Hatton
LIV + Legend: Lefty, KL and Lowry
There are a few other fun pairings with a mix of mini battles scattered throughout.
Your Picks
The world rankings are tight and have been tight for a while. Scottie continues as # 1, but being chased hard by Rahmbo and Rory. The top 10 is rammed with proper talent - no more with Hatton looping about and only 3 of them don’t have a major behind their names.
The Top bucket: Its hard to pick this one. So many good players, so many of them in good form and seemingly in position to contend on what will be an exhausting week. Could Rory be over-cooked? Will JT be able to continue after his efforts the past few weeks? Maybe its Burns who is fresh enough and with plenty of wins this year already.
The 2nd bucket: There are a few top tenners that have slid into this batch - post injury, post time away, all major winners: BK, DJ, Hideki, Lowry, King Louis. All good picks. Other form players who seem ready to contend for a major again: Xander, Fitzy, Berger, Conners. Short games are a premium, but all majors demand that skill?
The 3rd Bucket: The over 40 area, a mix of over-40s and up and comers who have never competed before. Picking 2 from here can be a lottery and will make or break you. You never want you might get. Power, Scotty, Mito, Rosie as options just emphasise the interesting gulf in experience and styles.
Take on your Mates
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